Bhattadev University & MCF : Workshop on Media Advocacy for Environmental Justice

Bhattadev University & Mahabahu Climate Forum : Workshop on Media Advocacy for Environmental Justice

Workshop on Media Advocacy for Environmental Justice Held at Bhattadev University, Pathsala

Arabinda Rabha

Pathsala, Assam – A one-day workshop titled “Media Advocacy for Environmental Justice” was held at Bhattadev University, Pathsala, Assam, on October 10, 2025.The event was organised by Department of mass communication & journalism, Bhattadev University, in association with Mahabahu Climate Forum.

The workshop aimed to strengthen the understanding of environmental issues, explore the role of media in promoting climate awareness, and inspire institutions to adopt sustainable practices through the Green Campus Programme (GCP)framework.

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The event drew participation from students, faculty members, researchers, and media enthusiasts from various departments. It served as an interactive platform where experienced speakers and experts from diverse backgrounds shared their knowledge and insights on climate change, environmental journalism, and the importance of integrating sustainability into higher education.

The workshop began with a warm welcome address by Dr Madhusmita Boruah, Assistant Professor at Bhattadev University, who outlined the event’s objectives and emphasised the importance of engaging youth in the movement for environmental justice. In her speech, Dr. Boruah spoke about how climate change has emerged as one of the greatest challenges of our time, affecting all aspects of human life.

Following her remarks, the event was officially inaugurated by Professor Dhanapati Deka, the Vice Chancellor of Bhattadev University. In his inaugural address, Professor Deka shared his vision for sustainability in higher education. He stressed that universities must not only impart knowledge but also set an example by adopting sustainable practices on campus. He called upon the academic community to act as catalysts for environmental awareness and innovation. “The future of our planet lies in the hands of young people,” he remarked, adding that every small step taken towards sustainability, whether it be reducing plastic use, conserving energy, or planting trees, contributes to a larger change.

The presence of Professor Manjit Das, Registrar of Bhattadev University, added further depth to the event. In his speech, Professor Das spoke about the ongoing climate crisis and how it is not just an environmental issue but also a social and economic concern. He mentioned that the northeastern region, including Assam, is particularly vulnerable to floods, soil erosion, and biodiversity loss. He encouraged students to adopt an environmentally conscious lifestyle and use the tools of media to educate others. His address inspired students to look beyond the classroom and take part in activities that make a tangible difference in society.

The first technical session was conducted by Mr Aditya Pundir, Director of The Climate Project Foundation, who delivered a compelling presentation on Media Advocacy for Environmental Justice. Mr Pundir began by explaining the scientific basis of climate change, using relatable examples to illustrate rising global temperatures, melting glaciers, and erratic weather patterns.

He stressed that while the climate crisis is a global phenomenon, its impacts are felt most acutely at the local level. He discussed the different forms of media advocacy from news reporting and documentaries to digital campaigns that can be used to influence public behaviour and government policy. His session was highly interactive, as he engaged students in discussions about responsible journalism and the ethical duties of media professionals in addressing misinformation about climate science.

The next session was led by Mr Rituraj Phukan, representing The Climate Reality Project and Mahabahu Climate Forum. His presentation titled “Climate Change in Assam: Impacts, Adaptation, and Action” offered a detailed overview of Assam’s climate vulnerabilities. Through case studies and real-life examples, he illustrated how floods, changing rainfall patterns, and riverbank erosion have disrupted livelihoods and ecosystems in the state.

Mr Phukan highlighted the resilience of local communities and shared inspiring stories of adaptation, such as community-based flood preparedness and the revival of traditional agricultural practices. His talk made students aware that climate change is not just an abstract concept but a lived reality for millions of people in Assam and across the world.

The workshop then took an engaging turn with a historical exploration of media and communication. Mr Anjan Sarma, Founder Editor of Mahabahu , delivered an insightful talk on the history of the printing press and its origin in Assam. He traced the evolution of print media from the colonial period to the present day, explaining how it played a vital role in shaping public consciousness. Mr Sarma encouraged students of journalism to learn about the foundations of their profession and understand the value of print as a medium of truth and knowledge. He emphasised that while digital media is powerful, the principles of accuracy, integrity, and accountability must remain constant across all platforms.

In the afternoon session, Mr Sanjeev Sarma, Founder of WebX, presented on the theme “AI and Indigenous Wisdom: Building Futures without Erasing Pasts.” He spoke about the rise of Artificial Intelligence and its connection to climate justice. Mr Sarma explained how AI technologies can be used to predict climate patterns, manage data for conservation, and design sustainable solutions.

However, he cautioned against the over-reliance on technology, reminding participants that indigenous knowledge and traditional practices have always guided communities toward sustainability. He urged students to seek a balance between innovation and heritage, so that progress does not come at the cost of cultural and ecological loss.

The concluding presentation of the workshop was delivered by Mr. Nilim Kashyap Barthakur, Sub-Editor of Mahabahu. His topic, “Youth Perspectives on Environmental Journalism,” focused on the role of young journalists in shaping the environmental narrative. He emphasised that today’s youth are not just observers but active participants in the movement for climate action. His talk encouraged students to blend creativity with credibility and to use storytelling as a means of awakening public consciousness about environmental justice.

Students responded with great enthusiasm, asking thought-provoking questions and sharing their perspectives with the speakers. Many expressed their desire to take up climate-related stories in their academic and professional work. The interactive discussions created an atmosphere of learning, curiosity, and collective responsibility.

The day-long event concluded with the distribution of certificates of participation to all attendees. Faculty members and students expressed their gratitude to the organisers, speakers, and the Mahabahu Climate Forum for bringing such a meaningful programme to the university.

The workshop successfully achieved its objectives of raising awareness about climate change, introducing the Green Campus Programme framework, engaging institutional leadership, and encouraging cross-campus collaboration for long-term sustainability. Participants left the venue with a renewed sense of purpose to advocate for a greener future and to use the power of media as a tool for positive change.

As the sun set over the Bhattadev University campus, there was a shared sense of optimism and commitment among everyone present. The event stood as a reminder that the journey toward environmental justice begins with awareness, dialogue, and action, and that the youth, guided by education and compassion, hold the key to building a sustainable tomorrow.

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